Teen to face charges in threat case

Prosecutor could seek felony charge for Buchanan student.

Prosecutor could seek felony charge for Buchanan student.

March 18, 2006|CAROL DRAEGER Tribune Staff Writer

BUCHANAN -- Charges are expected to be filed Monday against the teen who police say wrote a series of threatening notes that put Buchanan High School into a lockdown mode for nearly two weeks. Buchanan Police Sgt. J.T. Adkerson delivered police reports to the Berrien County Prosecutor's Office in St. Joseph late Friday afternoon. He said charges against the teen could range from disturbing the peace, a misdemeanor, to committing a terrorist act, a felony. Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Russell Szwabowski said he plans to review the police reports over the weekend. "We should know on Monday what, if anything, we will authorize," Szwabowski said. Police on Friday conducted more interviews to ensure their case against the confessed note-writer was solid. "Today we finished corroborating the confession that was given (Thursday)," Adkerson said. At a large meeting with parents late Thursday, Adkerson said the teen confessed in a taped interview to writing the string of threatening notes, beginning on March 6. He said the teen meant the threats as a hoax and police are "comfortable" in believing that the teen does not pose a threat to students. On March 7, a second letter reportedly identified 24 students by name and said harm would be done to them. On March 13, a third note was found with a scaled down hit list. Superintendent David Casey said the student will be expelled soon and is not allowed on school property. Police also say the teen is being monitored for his or her own safety and the safety of others. The teen, who is believed to be 13 or 14 years old, has not been identified as male or female. When parents questioned police late Thursday about why the student was not arrested, Adkerson said that juveniles cannot be detained by police unless a judge issues a court order. He said the Berrien County Juvenile Center will likely be the place that will house the teen when and if a judge orders the teen to be held. Meanwhile, a threatening note surfaced at another Berrien County school this past week, according to the principal at Berrien Springs Middle School. "We investigated it and there was never an intention to hurt anyone," said principal Ryan Pesce. A girl wrote a threatening letter in an attempt to win the affection of a male, he said. "Police have taken over from here and the student faces consequences," he said, but would not elaborate. The girl has been suspended from school and will likely face an expulsion hearing.Staff writer Carol Draeger: cdraeger@sbtinfo.com (269) 687-7005